The Cubs came storming out of the gates by hitting for the cycle in the first inning, capped by Matt Murton's three-run home run. Todd Walker chipped in with three hits and three RBIs for Chicago, which also plated seven runs in the sixth to run away from the Reds. Juan Pierre had three hits and scored three runs in his official Cubs debut.

Scott Hatteberg belted a three-run homer to help close an early gap, but Aaron Harang was charged with nine runs, six earned, in five-plus innings. Adam Dunn crushed a solo homer and drove in two but struggled in left field.